My neighbour's birthday cake was generous and enormous. How do I ask for a smaller food gift next time?

Food

The cake box needed both hands. My neighbour smiled and said, "Enough to keep you going all week!" There are two of us at home, and we'd already planned to go away the next morning.

I thanked her, took a photo of the decorated top and invited her in for a slice. We enjoyed it. Then I spent the evening asking friends whether they wanted cake, while my partner packed and occasionally looked at the box as if it had acquired a seat on the train.

She's since mentioned making another one for our anniversary. I don't want her to think her first cake wasn't appreciated. I also don't want a generous gesture to become a redistribution project each time. Is there a kind way to request a small cake, or should I simply say we're away and leave the size conversation for another occasion?

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@MorganSays

Tell her the part that worked: you enjoyed sharing a slice with her and loved the decoration. Then make the size request plainly. 'A small one for the two of us would be wonderful; we struggled to find homes for all the extra portions last time.' Appreciation doesn't require pretending the quantity suited you.

My neighbour's birthday cake was generous and enormous. How do I ask for a smaller food gift next time?

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